Tyler Perry to journalists: ‘Take ownership of black culture’

Tyler Perry leads a prayer at the end of his ÒEntrepreneurship and BrandingÓ Master Class with Roland Martin and DeMarco Morgan at the 2018 NABJ Convention on Friday, August 3 in Detroit, MI. Photo by Jazmin Goodwin.

By ARIELLE BRUMFIELD

NABJ Monitor

DETROIT—Tyler Perry credits his “go-getter” spirit to why he is so successful in the entertainment industry.

“Too many of us have operated as workers and not owners,” Morgan said.

Perry did more than speak at the panel. He preached offering life advice and stressing the importance of having faith in your career.

“I came from hope, no one gave me anything. I worked and worked and prayed and worked

some more,” Perry, who is from New Orleans, said passionately as he explained to the audience how he started his career. .

Perry recalled having a difficult time receiving support from whites as he tried to

navigate his career. When he realized larger brands were not supporting him, he invested in himself and created his own platform.

“I branded myself. My brand is Tyler Perry,” Perry said.

Through his brand, Perry provides his audiences with laughter and endless entertainment with

his marquee character, Madea, and self-produced movies, but also highlights issues plaguing

the black community.

Addressing taboo topics such as mental health, domestic violence and even colorism, he

focuses on, “telling the stories of regular folk and giving them a message of hope.”

Perry’s work gives him the ability to help everyone tell their own story. By employing and

highlighting black culture, he has paved the way for more stories that reflect the lives of people of color to reach mainstream platforms.

Perry leaves NABJ conference goers with three valuable takeaways:

First, have an “emotional tolerance that says you can stand and be OK inside of the madness.”

Second, have a “high-risk endurance.”

And lastly, “Have faith.”

Tyler Perry shares a laugh with moderator and CBS correspondent, DeMarco Morgan during his ÒEntrepreneurship and BrandingÓ Master Class at the 2018 NABJ Convention on Friday, August 3 in Detroit, MI. Photo by Jazmin Goodwin.